October 18, 2005 (Huntsville, Alabama)
More effective investigations of criminal
acts by illegal aliens, identify their use of fraudulent identification and
enhance enforcement of federal immigration laws. That’s the goal of the
Huntsville Police Department as it seeks training under the US Immigration &
Customs Enforcement. In a letter dated September 20, 2005, Police Chief Rex
Reynolds request the federal agency allow Huntsville Police Officers to
become the first Alabama Police Department in the State to be trained under
ICE. Currently, Alabama State Troopers have illegal immigration enforcement
and training capabilities.

Reynolds
states that, “Huntsville has a population of 177,000 and approximately
345,000 in Madison County. Our illegal population continues to grow, and
with that growth comes an increase in criminal acts committed by those that
reside here illegally. Under ICE supervision, we can ensure the citizens of
Huntsville and the surrounding area that our immigration laws will be
enforced by those with proper training, ensure more effective enforcement of
our immigration laws, and will enhance our immigration system locally.”

Reynolds
added that Huntsville Police were seeking the training months before a
Huntsville Police Officer was slain in the line of duty by an illegal
immigrant from Mexico.